Tech Feature: Family Ties – Servicing Chrysler’s Versatile 3.3L and 3.8L Engines
First introduced as a family back in 1990, these engines have been upgraded and improved to provide good torque for the necessary applications, reasonable fuel economy and a reputation for durability and appropriate performance.
Alignment & Suspension Specs: 2006-10 Dodge Charger Police Package
The Dodge Charger Police Package entered service in 2006. Compared to the civilian model, the police variant’s suspension is the same, except for some changes in the the sway bars, shock valving and changes to the ABS and stability control software. In 2011, Chrysler is introducing a Pursuit version with heavy-duty performance front and rear suspensions with load-leveling/NIVOMAT shocks.
Directions: E15 — Helping or Hurting American Drivers?
At Issue: E15 fuel blends could be available by March or April of 2011, assuming the EPA makes two approvals for use of E15 in 2001 cars and newer models by the end of the year.
Tech Feature: Delivering the Fuel – Not a Fuel Pump Return
Although electronic fuel injection has become the norm since the late 1980s, some technicians still don’t understand the value of having a good diagnostic procedure for testing electric fuel pump functions. While this is not something a repair shop owner wants to hear, proper fuel component testing has become a growing industry issue, as unnecessary parts warranty returns continue to be a problem for manufacturers.
Independent Research Shows E15 Poses Minimal Risk to Older Vehicles
The conclusion of the Ricardo study is that the adoption of E15 as the blend limit for standard US pump grades of gasoline should not adversely affect vehicles manufactured between 1994 and 2000.
Groups Form To Delay E15 Fuel
The groups contend that E15 could harm many types of vehicle engines, fuel systems and components, as well as the environment.
Jeep Fuel Problems Needn’t Be an Uphill Battle
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been a dependable vehicle for many vehicle owners over the years. However, the SUV has had a few fuel system problem that has put Jeeps in repair shops. In this article, we’ll address some fuel system complaints that have plagued these vehicles.
Ford Water-in-Fuel Indicator Dampens Driver’s Spirit
Some 2003-’04 Ford F Super Duty/Excursion (vehicles with 6.0L Powerstroke engine built prior to Nov. 1, 2003) owners may complain of an illuminated water-in-fuel (WIF) lamp. The lamp does not turn off after water has been drained from the horizontal fuel conditioning module (HFCM).
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Repeat Fuel Pump Failures
During the past several years, I’ve encountered many vehicles that were running on their third or fourth new fuel pump in as many years. As with many repeat failures, the initial fuel pump installations were sloppy or a brand of fuel pump with a known high failure rate had been installed. In the remaining cases, an OE or aftermarket-equivalent fuel pump had been installed, but fuel tank contamination had been overlooked as a cause of the premature failure.
Tech Tip: Nissan MIL On/DTC P1491 Set
A 2001 Frontier (D22) or Xterra (WD22) may exhibit one or both of the following symptoms: MIL "On" with DTC P1491 (Vacuum Cut Valve Bypass Valve – VC CUT/V BYPASS/V) stored in the ECM; and/or difficulty refueling the vehicle. The vehicle’s fuel tank may need to be replaced. Use the appropriate Service Procedure provided in this bulletin to diagnose and repair these incidents, if they should occur ….
Tech Feature: Diagnosing Fuel Pumps and Injectors
One of the first questions that should always be answered when diagnosing a fuel-related complaint on a fuel-injected engine is, “What is the fuel pressure?” All too often, technicians assume fuel pressure is “good” without actually measuring it with a gauge. If the engine runs, they assume the injectors are getting adequate fuel pressure. If
Fuel Injector Service: The Basics and Beyond
and go traffic conditions. Because high underhood heat usually increases electrical and clogging failures in fuel injectors, fuel-injected vehicles driven in metro areas may generally need more maintenance than vehicles driven in rural areas. We can also generally say that many late 1980s and early 1990s fuel injectors fail more often because of poor design,